Ruben Amorim is expected to receive a significant boost when Lisandro Martinez returns to first team training following the international break. The Argentina international, who has been sidelined since February due to a severe knee injury sustained during a match against Crystal Palace, is making steady progress in his recovery.
Martinez suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and has undergone a long and challenging rehabilitation process. Initially, he returned to light training in July, and according to reports from the Daily Mail, his training intensity has been increasing steadily. He has been working with the ball, and an MRI scan conducted last week showed positive results. The 27-year-old will now rejoin the first team training when the rest of the Manchester United squad returns from the international break next week.
While it seems unlikely that Martinez will be involved in the upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday, October 19, he is determined to make a swift return to action. His presence in the squad is crucial, as he has faced several injuries since joining the Premier League in 2022 from Ajax.
Martinez’s performance in his first season at Manchester United was impressive, as he played in 27 Premier League games, which is the highest number he has managed in a single campaign. However, his participation dropped to 11 games in the 2023/24 season and 20 games in the previous season. Now, he will need to compete with several players for a spot in Amorim’s back three.
The competition for a place in the central defense includes Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Ayden Heaven. Despite this, Martinez has consistently been part of the starting XI whenever he has been fit, and he remains confident about regaining his position in the team.
Amorim expressed his excitement about Martinez’s return in September, when he was seen training on the grass again. The manager highlighted the importance of having Martinez in the squad, especially during this period. “It’s really important,” said Amorim. “When you have that injury, you go through a tough phase where recovery is difficult, then there’s the boring part where it seems like you’re not making progress.”
He also mentioned how much the team misses Martinez’s aggression and dedication. “We miss Licha, especially in this moment, we miss his aggression in everything he does, we miss him. But he’s always there in every meeting. In training, he sometimes finishes his and stays to watch the training. We need Licha in this team.”
After the trip to Anfield, the Red Devils will host Brighton on Saturday, October 25. This upcoming match presents an opportunity for Martinez to showcase his progress and push for a place in the starting lineup. His return to training is a positive development for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on how quickly Martinez can adapt to the physical demands of the game and regain his form. His experience and leadership in defense will be invaluable to Amorim’s plans for the team. With the right approach and continued progress, Martinez could play a key role in strengthening Manchester United’s defensive line.
